ITIN or SSN? Filing First Taxes Together

[lovemyboobug 0]

Hi everyone,

Like many others, I am working on my first tax return since we got married in July 2015. When I enter my husband's information, I am unsure of what number he needs. We are in the middle of AoS, he came here on a K-1.

In October, he received his Employment Authorization Card and Advance Parole.

So what number should we use? As far as I know, he doesn't have a SSN yet--is that something we needed to apply for ourselves? I was under the impression that it would be assigned if his AoS was approved? Or do we need to apply for an ITIN for this year and then use his future SSN on next year's return?

One more silly question: his "A" number? Is this valid for anything; will that become his SSN?

He made no income this year, but because we have a son, it's definitely the most beneficial for us to file MFJ.

Thanks for any help!

[Kastrs 723]

You need to go to your nearest SS office and apply for a SS number. Bring the completed application with you. You will NOT automatically get a SS card in the mail.

[Ortolan 381]

Go right now down to your local Social Security office and apply for that SS card. You'll get it in time to file your 2015 taxes by April 15 2016.

His 'A' number won't have any relation to his social security number, no, and you shouldn't put it on your Married Filing Jointly tax return. Use either the ITIN or a Social Security number only.

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

An ITIN is for a tax payer who is not eligible for a SSN. Your spouse is eligible for a SSN so that's the number you want for the tax return.

[aaron2020 11,651]

Hi everyone,

Like many others, I am working on my first tax return since we got married in July 2015. When I enter my husband's information, I am unsure of what number he needs. We are in the middle of AoS, he came here on a K-1.

In October, he received his Employment Authorization Card and Advance Parole.

So what number should we use? ITIN or SSN. As far as I know, he doesn't have a SSN yet--is that something we needed to apply for ourselves? Yes, he must apply for an SSN. It's not automatic. I was under the impression that it would be assigned if his AoS was approved? Sometimes. Don't count on it. Or do we need to apply for an ITIN for this year and then use his future SSN on next year's return? This would be the way to do it.

One more silly question: his "A" number? Is this valid for anything; will that become his SSN? No. His "A' number is valid for his LPR status. Has nothing to do with his SSN.

He made no income this year, but because we have a son, it's definitely the most beneficial for us to file MFJ.

Thanks for any help!

File MFJ with an ITIN request and send your PAPER return to the special address.

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

File MFJ with an ITIN request and send your PAPER return to the special address.

I disagree because the IRS says:

ITIN

An ITIN, or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, is a tax processing number only available for certain nonresident and resident aliens, their spouses, and dependents who cannot get a Social Security Number (SSN). It is a 9-digit number, beginning with the number "9", formatted like an SSN (NNN-NN-NNNN).

He can get a SSN. He is in the US and has an EAD card.

[Thozelle 16]

I disagree because the IRS says:

ITIN

An ITIN, or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, is a tax processing number only available for certain nonresident and resident aliens, their spouses, and dependents who cannot get a Social Security Number (SSN). It is a 9-digit number, beginning with the number "9", formatted like an SSN (NNN-NN-NNNN).

He can get a SSN. He is in the US and has an EAD card.

Correct. ITIN is for individuals not eligible for a SSN.